Legal Assistant
We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Legal Assistant to join our Dispute Resolution (Family Law) Team in our Sydney Location.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
* Electronic and hard copy Diary Management – proactively manage appointments, tasks and reminders for file work, hearings, settlements, client meetings. Prioritising various key responsibilities including court directions and internal accountabilities.
* Email Management – review, print and file email correspondence (electronically and hard copy).
* Document Preparation and Management – transcription of digital dictation and general typing, including preparation of correspondence, agreements, advices and court documents. Working with templates, precedents and mail merge documents. Preparation of substantial amounts of documentation including barrister's briefs, court books, compiling submissions.
* File Management – create and maintain files in an orderly manner. Ensure all documents, letters, file notes, etc., are filed correctly and in a timely manner.
* Billing – entry of daily timesheets, preparation of detailed bills in accordance with firm protocols and monthly deadlines (Aderant).
* Client Support – screening telephone calls, taking detailed and accurate messages and instructions, recording the exact time and identity of caller and return telephone numbers; assisting with client queries where appropriate, managing client expectations around communications.
* Information / Precedent Management – ensuring precedents and templates are updated in accordance with legislative or firm changes.
* Assuming general office duties (filing, photocopying, faxing, binding, etc.).
* Screening telephone calls – taking detailed and accurate messages and instructions, recording the exact time and identity of caller and return telephone numbers.
* Communication – prioritise workflow and ensure fee earners are provided with feedback as to the status of current work, future tasks and significant dates. Liaising with barristers, clients, interpreters, principals, lawyers and staff.
* Support fee earners – building the RK brand and developing strong professional relationships with clients and associations. Diary management relating to board commitments, committee meetings, marketing, professional development and administrative related appointments.
* Preparation / collation of documentation and materials for presentations and meetings.
* Preparing & lodging expense claims.
* Any other ad-hoc administration duties as required.
* Maintains cyber security at all times. Cultivate an awareness of security risks, stay informed of latest cyber threats, instil best cybersecurity practices and take practical steps to protect the firm and client from cyberattacks.
Skills/Knowledge
* Advanced knowledge of MS Word for Windows, intermediate knowledge of PowerPoint and Excel and experience with document management systems (iManage) and billing systems (Aderant).
* Strong attention to detail, with a focus on producing accurate, high‐quality work.
* Professional and confident telephone manner.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work as part of a team and provide directions to other staff.
* Good organisational skills demonstrated through previous experience working with multiple fee earners.
Experience
* 5 years previous experience working in a similar role in family law or litigation.
Further Information
Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Kat Pena on KPena@rk.com.au. For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy Lawyers to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.
Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 340 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market‐leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.
As part of our team, you'll receive hands‐on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.
Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal‐opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural diversity. Russell Kennedy is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.
Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work‐life balance, all current and prospective employees have access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate accessible formats, where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Kat Pena on KPena@rk.com.au.
Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.
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